Window and frame assembly



US- 19, 1959 R. BRYNJELsoN v3,461,940

wmnow AND FRAME ASSEMBLY Filedv oct. s, 1967 Inventor REIDAR BRYNJELSON BY 54.4., M y... ma

ATTYS.

United States Patent O U.S. Cl. 160-371 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE =A window and frame assembly isformed from a pair of side frame members, la pair of end frame members, and a sheet of flexible, light-transmittant material. The frame members are fold-ed along fold lines parallel to their length, interfolding the sheet material and the ends `of the corresponding frame members at the corners. In the Ipreferred embodiment, the end frame members are folded back upon themselves over the side frame members. The sheet material contributes to the overall Strength of the assembly, and the frame members are bias cut on the ends to reduce bulk at the corners. Fastening means may optionally be provided at the corners.

The present invention relates to an improved win-dow and frame assembly incorporating flexible, light-transmittant window material.

While windows incorporating transparent, exi-ble, plastic material are well known in the tart, they are often made up of many parts, or lack adequate means for maintaining the window sufficiently tight to prevent sagging -and optical distortion. Another diiiiculty has been excess bulk at the corners, where the side and end frame members overlap, making it difficult to t the windows into channels.

Generally, the present invention relates to a window and frame assembly including a pair of side frame members, `a pair of end -frame members, land a generally rectangular sheet of flexible, light-transmittant window material. The frame members are Afabricated by strips or longitudinally elongated sections of sheet material, and are folded, along fold lines parallel -to their length, over themselves and the window mate-rial. In the fully assembled window and frame, the window material cooperates with the frame members to provide strength to the overall structure. Strength is 'also provided by inter-folding the frame members with each other at the corners. This construction is better appreciated by considering the unyfolded relationship yof the assembly parts, wherein each side `frame member overlaps a corresponding end of the end frame members, Iand the window material overlaps each of the frame members. When the window and frame is assembled, the end frame members yare folded over both the window material yand the ends lof lthe side frame members, and the side frame members are folded over both the window material and the end frame members.

The invention, both as to its `construction and method of manufacture, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed `descript-ion taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of the preferred window and frame assembly -in fully assembled condition;

'FIGURE 2 is 'an exploded partial view of the window and fra-me components in unassembled, adjacent relationship;

tFIGUURE 3 is `a partial plan View of the window and frame components in unassembled, overlapped relationship just prior to assembly;

.FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a Iportion of the window frame in partly assembled relationship;

3,461,940 Patented Aug. 19, 1969 f' ICC FIGURE 5 is a section view along lline 5-5 of FIG- URE 1; and

FIGURE 6 is a vsection view along 6-6 of FIGURE 1.

Referring to 'FIGURE 1, the present invention lcomprises a lwindow and frame assembly, indicated generally by reference numeral 10. The assembly includes a pair of side frame members 12 and a pair of end frame members 14 interfolded to -form an overall rectangular frame. A sheet of flexible, lighttransmittant window material 16 is bounded by the frame members 12, 14, and is interfolded with them and held taught.

As shown in FIGURE 2, in the preferred embodiment the side frame members 12 are each thrice folded over themselves along an outer -fold line 20, a central -fold line 22, and an inner fold line 24. The `fold lines 20, 22, 24 are approximately equidistant, although allowance must |be made `for the thickness of the frame members. The end `frame members 14 are also folded over themselves along an outer lfold line 26 and' an inner fold l-ine 28. The light-transmittant window material 16 is interfol1ded with the side frame members along lan outer side fold line 30 and an inner side fold line 32, and with the end frame members 14 along `an end -fold line 34. As shown in FIGURE 2, the side frame members 12 are preferably bias cut between the outer edges and the central fold `line 22. This bias cut forms lan obtuse inside angle between the outside edge of the lside frame members 12 and the end. Between the central fold line 22 and the inner Ifold line 24, the ends of the side frame members 12 are cut straight, perpendicular to the longitudinal edges. Between the inner -fold line 24, and the inner longitudinal edge of the side frame members 12, the ends are preferably bias cut lat an angle approximately perpendicular to the bias cut between the outer edge and the central fold line 2'2.

Similarly, the end frame members 14 are bias cut between the outer longitudinal edges and the inner fold lines 28 to form an obtuse angle between the outer edges and the ends. Between the inner fold line 28 and the inner longitudinal edge, the ends of the side fname members 14 are bias `cut approximately perpendicular to the aforesaid bias cut.

'FIGURE 3 shows a portion 4of the 4frame in properly overlapped but unfolded relationship. The side frame members 12 overlap the end frame members 14 in the manner shown. The tips of the end frame members I4, reach to the central fold lines 22 of the side frame members 12, while the ends of the side frame members 12 are aligned with the inner rfold lines 28 of the end frame members 14. As shown in FIGURE 3, the overlapped varea forms a parallelogram shape with the inner fold lines 24 of the side yframe members 12 traversing the ldiagonal. The overall shape of the frame members in properly Ioverlapped relationship forms `an Octagon.

:The `light-transmittant window material 16 is also preferably bias cut on the corners, as shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, to prevent excess bulk at the corners of the ycompleted window and frame assembly. In properly aligned relationship -with the yframe members 12, 14 the window material 16 reaches to a point just short of the outer fold lines 20, 26 of the side and end frame members 12, 14, respectively. With the window material 16 thus properly positioned, it will be folded along the fol-d lines 30, 32, 34 shown in FIGURE 2 when the window and frame are assembled. The bias cuts at the corners of the window material =16 are parallel to the outer Ibias cuts at the ends of the side and end frame members 12, 14, and traverse or pass near the intersection of the inner side yfold' lines 32, and the end fold lines 34 of the light-transmittant window material 16. While the particular overlapping relationship, along with the bias cu-ts on the ends of the side and end frame members 12, v14 ycan be modified without impairing the strength of the overall window, the advantageous low bulk at the corners of the completed `frame will not :be realized.

In assembling the frame, the end frame members are first folded over themselves along the outer fold lines 26. The end frame members are then folded over themselves along the inner fold lines 28, interfolding a portion of the window material 16, and enclosing a portion of the side frame members 12 in the area of overlap. Similarly, the side frame members 12 are folded along the outer fold lines 20. They are then folded along the central fold lines 22, interfolding a portion of the Window material 16 and partially covering the ends of the end frame members 14. The final fold of the side frame members 12 is made along the inner fold lines 24. As illustrated in FIG- URE 4, in the preferred embodiment this fold causes the end frame members 14 to be simultaneously folded back over themselves, strengthening the corners. As also shown in FIGURE 4, the bias cuts at the end of the side frame members 12 and end frame members 14 reduce the bulk of the interfolded corners, since the inner bias cuts abut each other, rather than being unnecessarily overlapped.

After the final fold is made, the overall frame appears as in FIGURE 1. As seen in FIGURES and 6, the end frame members 14 and the side frame members 12 are interfolded with the light-transmittant window material 16, holding it securely in place. Because of this interfolding with the side and end frame members 12, 14, the window material 16 contributes to the overall strength of the frame, and aids in holding it together. Obviously, it is not essential that the window be interfolded twice with the side frame members 12 as shown in FIGURE 6. If this is not desired, the window material 16 may be cut to reach only to lche center fold line 22 of the side frame members 12 in unfolded relationship.

While the corners of the frame will generally be held in place by the folding of the frame members, fastening means, such as staples or rivets, may optionally be provided at the four corners to hold the frame in a folded condition. For purposes of illustration, suitable staples 36 are shown at the upper corners of the complete window and frame assembly of FIGURE 1. When such fastening means are employed, they will normally be used at all four corners of the Window and frame assembly 10. Normally, however, such fastening means will not be needed. Glue may also optionally be used to help fasten the window material 16 to the frame members, 12, 14. Normally, this will not be required, however, since the interfolded relationship holds the parts in position. However, gluing may be of aid in positioning the parts before nal assembly.

Any malleable material having substantial strength may be used to form the frame members 12, 14. Suitable materials include copper, aluminum, light gauge steel, etc., as is well known in the art. The window 16 may be of any flexible, foldable, light-transmittant material, either transparent or translucent, depending upon the desired properties in tlhe window. Suitable materials include films of polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, etc., as is well known to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that the term window material is used in a broad sense, and may also include materials such as wire mesh used in the manufacture of screens. The essential requirements are flexibility and light-transmittancy, a term covering both transparent and translucent materials. While the embodiments described herein are at present considered to be preferred, it will be understood that various modifications and improvements may be made therein and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and improvements as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A window and frame assembly comprising: a pair of side frame members fabricated of longitudinally elongated sections of sheet material; a pair of end frame members fabricated of longitudinally elongated sections of sheet material; and a exible, generally rectangular sheet of light-transmittant window material extending between and folded into said members for forming said assembly, said window material being bias cut at the corners to form an overall octagonal shape and to avoid being interfolded with the corners of said frame, said end frame members being folded over said window material and over corresponding ends of said side frame members, and said side frame members, being folded over said window material and over corresponding ends of said end frame members.

2. The window and frame assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said end frame members are folded at least twice over upon themselves and upon said window material on fold lines parallel to their length.

3. The window and frame assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said side frame members are folded at least thrice over upon themselves and upon said window material on fold lines parallel to their length.

4. A window and frame assembly comprising: a pair of side frame members fabricated of longitudinally elongated sections of sheet material; a pair of end frame members fabricated of longitudinally elongated sections of sheet material; and a flexible, generally rectangular sheet of light-transmittant material extending between and folded into said members to form said assembly, said side frame members being folded over said window material and over corresponding ends of said end frame members along fold lines generally parallel to their length, and said end frame members being folded over said window material and over corresponding ends of said side frame members along fold lines generally parallel to their length and being folded back over upon themselves along fold lines generally transverse to their length.

5. The window and frame assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein said end frame members are folded at least twice over upon themselves and upon said window material on fold lines parallel to their length, and said side frame members are folded at least thrice over upon themselves and upon said window material on fold lines parallel to their length.

6. The window and frame assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein said frame members are bias cut on the ends to form an overall octagonal configuration when said members are in overlapped relationship prior to folding.

7. The window and frame assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein said frame member sections are bias out to overlap in a parallelogram-shaped area .prior to folding, said end frame members being folded back upon themselves along fold lines traversing the diagonal of said parallelogram.

8. The Window and frame assembly as defined in claim 7 further including fastening means for securing the corners of said frame in folded relationship.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 934,570 9/1909 Ranney 160-371 972,299 10/1910 Valkenburg i60-381 1,250,376 12/1917 Starbuck et al 160-381 X 1,324,950 12/1919 Zrebiec 160-381 X 2,468,608 4/1949 Sylvan 160-381 X 2,915,119 12/1959 Cox 160-381 3,137,088 6/1964 Spertus 160--378 3,187,801 6/1965 Saling 160-371 X DAVID I. WILLIAMOWSKY, Primary Examiner PHILIP C. KANNAN, Assistant Examiner U.S. Cl, X.R.

gggg UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTION Patent N0 3,+61.9l0 Dated August 19, 1969 Inventor(s) Redar' BIyIlJelSOn It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 38, after' obtuse insert ins1de IN THE CLAIMS:

Claim 3,

Column 14, line 19,

SIGNED AN'D SEALED DEW-1969 (SEAL) Attest:

Edward M. Fletcher, Jr WILLIAM E. S-CIHUYLER, JR.

Commissioner of Patenti Attesting Officer 

